What’s the best degree for someone with Asperger’s

Hi, so I’m no one specific. Just a mom reaching out to see if you have any advice for me. I’m neurotypical but my junior in college who is a girl has Asperger’s, but really mild. We tried some groups but those kids seem more severe. Her ACT was strong in math and science and low in English reading and writing. Those stupid tests do not represent her potential as a 4.0 average and her teachers said she is so organized.

She has learned coping strategies for dealing with people. However I have no idea how to help her with degree ideas. No real people skills, focusing on the tasks etc. Your writing makes me feel that there is hope in her future. If you have any time to just give me a suggestion for college ideas and degrees that would just be great. Facts are fine. Thanks!

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  1. Penelope Trunk
    Penelope Trunk says:

    It’s nice of you to try to help her. She’s going to need to pick her own path through the world– including her major–but you can help her by creating scaffolding around her to help her be a clear, confident planner for her future.

    The Asperger’s she has probably isn’t mild. Its just that because girls have better social skills than boys, and her IQ is high, she won’t really feel the impact of Asperger’s until her 20’s — this is true for most girls.

    Here are some suggestions for how to create some stability for her while she learns to navigate adult life:

    She should see a therapist to help her decode social rules.
    She should also get on anxiety medicine – or at least investigate it. Asperger’s usually comes with anxiety because social situations are so stressful and demands of executive function are so stressful.
    She should exercise as a way to deal with anxiety.
    She should have a clear, repetitive schedule so she knows what she’s doing with herself each day.

    The best thing someone with Asperger’s can do in school is focus on soft skills. Kids with Asperger’s don’t need academic help – they are already very smart.

    I hope this helps.

    Penelope

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